MMA · September 26, 2026 · 6:00 PM ET
Ricky Simon vs Montel Jackson
Free LineCrush game report for Ricky Simon vs Montel Jackson on September 26, 2026, with matchup analysis and pick ideas generated for the daily slate. Reports can update as lineups, injuries, and odds develop, so confirm time-sensitive details before acting.
Fight Odds
Moneyline
Moneyline from the calendar feed. Lines move; confirm at the book before acting.
Matchup Analysis
Scheduled bantamweight matchup at the UFC APEX
The bout is listed as a scheduled three-round bantamweight fight at Meta APEX in Las Vegas on September 26. Fight-card listings remain subject to change, so official weigh-ins should be the final status check.
SourceJackson owns the size advantage
Montel Jackson is listed at 5-foot-10 compared with Ricky Simon at 5-foot-6, giving Jackson a meaningful height and likely range advantage in open-space exchanges.
SourceSimon offers more volume but absorbs more damage
Career UFC figures list Simon at 3.02 significant strikes landed per minute and 4.17 absorbed, while Jackson lands 2.90 and absorbs only 1.52. That contrast points to Simon needing sustained pressure and Jackson benefiting from cleaner, lower-risk counter work.
SourceSimon’s wrestling is the clearest tactical disruptor
Simon averages 3.83 takedowns per 15 minutes and carries a 77% takedown-defense mark in the available UFC profile data. His best route is to force repeated clinch and mat exchanges rather than allow Jackson to dictate a long-range kickboxing rhythm.
SourceBoth fighters enter after decision setbacks
Simon’s most recent appearance ended in a majority draw with Adrian Yanez, while Jackson last fought Raoni Barcelos and lost a split decision. Neither man has a clean momentum advantage coming into this booking.
SourceJackson won the first meeting
The available UFCStats record shows Jackson defeating Simon by unanimous decision in their August 2018 meeting. The rematch gives Simon a historical adjustment test, while Jackson has already demonstrated that he can survive the matchup over three rounds.
SourcePick Ideas
Jackson moneyline at -175 or better
Jackson is the more reasonable moneyline side if the price remains around -175 or shorter, but the wager becomes less attractive if the market pushes him beyond approximately -200. His defensive striking profile and physical dimensions provide the cleaner baseline.
Simon as a small-stake underdog
A modest Simon position is defensible at +150 or longer because his pressure and takedown-heavy approach can make the fight difficult to score cleanly. This is better treated as a price-sensitive upset flyer than a full-confidence pick.
Decision prop lean
The fight-to-go-the-distance market is worth considering if offered at a reasonable price, particularly because both fighters have substantial decision experience and this is scheduled for three rounds. Avoid chasing the prop if it becomes heavily juiced.
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